General information
Program details
Begin your day, quite literally, in one of the most awe-inspiring religious capitals – Vatican State. As the sun rises, you’ll already be here, ready to get a head start on your tour before the crowds.
As the only tour operator to offer this exclusive treat, you’ll enjoy an experience like no other accompanied only by the rest of your intimate tour group and your expert, English-speaking guide. While all is still silent and the priceless art sits dormant waiting for throngs of tourists to arrive, walk through the Vatican corridors hearing only your footsteps (and perhaps your heart as it beats vividly to such an emotionally-charged opportunity).
Savor a rich American breakfast buffet in the Vatican Cafeteria, delighting in everything from croissants to muffins, eggs-made-to-order to pancakes, fresh fruits and jams to cereals and cookies. Get your caffeine fix for the day with both espresso and American coffee, or enjoy fresh juices or other cold and hot beverages as you desire.
After your palate-pleasing morning breakfast, you’ll hop on to a comfortably shaded open-air private coach. Riding through the hidden parts of Vatican State, just recently opened to the public, your guide will entertain you with historical anecdotes and intriguing facts. Be among the few, most privileged, to see Vatican railway station, the giant Year-2000 Jubilee bell, the stunning meditation gardens in use by popes since 1279, and the Pope’s private heliport which Roman Pontiffs use regularly for pastoral passages.
This 45-minute journey through Vatican State will pique your curiosity for the rest of the beauty, mystery and history within this city within a city. Be curious no longer because after your private coach adventure you’ll be brought within the Museum walls. Housing irreplaceable arts and religious artifacts, your guide (and historical expert) will host you on a 3-hour tour through time. With endless halls and so much to see, you might miss truly spectacular pieces if you tried to go it alone. Knowing your vacation time is as priceless as these masterpieces, we’ve tailored our route to the best the Museum has to offer, giving you the highlights you’ve longed to see all your life.
Your guide will teach you not just about the craftsmanship of each spectacular work of art but also give you the stories behind them and how they became part of the Vatican’s collection. Time-honored tapestries, precious relics, ancient sculptures, intricate oils… the galleries seem to stretch on longer than time itself. Behold the Raphael Rooms and the famous characters modeled in the School of Athens. Stand before the Sistine Chapel and marvel at Michelangelo’s mastery. Learn how these fabulous frescoes weren’t made lying down at all and be humorously entertained as your guide points out the private jokes painted into the world’s most iconic artwork. Then let bewilderment set in as you discover the painful punishments Michelangelo painted for his enemies and the secret personal message he left for the Pope.
Walk the footsteps of history: Cardinals, Popes, artists that changed the world – and learn about the drama that unfolded here beneath your feet. Then allow this unrivaled tour to come to an end at St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will be treated to the masterpieces housed within the cathedral’s walls. The world-renowned altar, Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta,’ not to mention the Basilica itself with its dominating dome (which, when built, almost ripped the church in half).
This is a tour like no other, offered by no other. A small, intimate group of only 25 people or fewer with unparalleled early access, unbelievable individualized attention and the most interesting time-saving agenda. We also offer convenient audio headsets, so you can always hear your guide. Don’t attempt to experience the Vatican any other way. It’s marvelous.
Meeting/pick-up point: At the bottom of the wide steps across the street from the entrance of the Vatican Museums.
Duration: 5 hours.
Start/opening time: 7am.
End/closing time: 12pm
Languages: English.